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dead-end — [ded′end΄; ] for vi. [ ded΄end′] adj. 1. having only one exit or outlet [a dead end street] 2. giving no opportunity for progress or advancement [a dead end job ] ☆ 3. [after Dead End, a play (1935) by Sidney Kingsley about New York slum life]… … English World dictionary

dead-end — dead′ end′ adj. 1) cvb terminating in a dead end 2) cvb offering no possibility for advancement: a dead end job[/ex] 3) cvb living in the slums: a dead end kid[/ex] 4) cvb to terminate in a dead end • Etymology: 1885–90 … From formal English to slang

dead end — UK US noun [C] ► a situation that is unlikely to be successful or to make any progress: »We had several customer leads that all turned out to be dead ends. »It s very demoralizing for her; she perceives that her career is at a dead end. reach/hit … Financial and business terms

dead end — n 1.) a street with no way out at one end 2.) a situation from which no more progress is possible come to/reach a dead end ▪ The negotiations have reached a dead end. 3.) dead end job a job with low wages and no chance of progress … Dictionary of contemporary English

dead end — dead ends 1) N COUNT If a street is a dead end, there is no way out at one end of it. Syn: cul de sac 2) N COUNT: oft N n A dead end job or course of action is one that you think is bad because it does not lead to further developments or progress … English dictionary

dead end — closed end of a passage, 1886, from DEAD (Cf. dead) + END (Cf. end). Figurative use is attested from 1922. As an adj., from 1928; as a verb, from 1921. Related: Deadender (by 1996) … Etymology dictionary

dead end — noun count 1. ) a road or passage that has no way out at one end 2. ) a situation in which no more progress is possible … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

dead end — ► NOUN ▪ an end of a road or passage from which no exit is possible … English terms dictionary

dead end — n. 1. an end of a street, alley, etc. that has no regular exit 2. a situation from which there seems no way to escape, move forward, etc.; an impasse … English World dictionary